Is ICD-10-CM code J05 billable?

No, J05 (Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code J05 belong to?

J05 belongs to Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: J00–J99 (Diseases of the Respiratory System).

J05Not billable, use a more specific code below

Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis

In Acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06), chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System

3 billable codes under J05: 1 is an MCC, 1 is a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

influenza, if present, such as:
influenza due to identified novel influenza A virus with other respiratory manifestations (J09.X2)
influenza due to other identified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations (J10.1)
influenza due to unidentified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations (J11.1)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Also applies, from Acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06)

These notes sit on J00-J06 and apply to every code under it, including J05.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute lower respiratory infection (J44.0)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers COPD and asthma exacerbations, sequencing of acute respiratory failure, confirmed versus suspected identified influenza, ventilator associated pneumonia, and vaping-related disorders.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] and Asthma (page 56)
Acute Respiratory Failure (page 56)
Influenza due to certain identified influenza viruses (page 57)
Ventilator associated Pneumonia (page 57)
Vaping-related disorders (page 58)

Read Section I.C.10 (page 56)

All codes under J05

J05 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

J05 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

Other codes that refer to J05

Notes on these codes point to J05.

J04 Excludes1: acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis (J05.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Croup

Croup is an inflammation of the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It causes difficulty breathing, a barking cough, and a hoarse voice. The cause is usually a virus, often parainfluenza virus. Other causes include allergies and reflux.

Throat Disorders

Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx. The technical name for your throat is the pharynx. Throat problems are common. You've probably had a sore throat. The cause is usually a viral infection, but other causes include allergies, infection with strep bacteria or the leaking of stomach acids back up into the esophagus, called GERD.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.